Life is make believe, fantasy given form

About

I didn’t care for reading as a child – I preferred Bonanza and Beverly Hillbillies reruns, Saturday morning cartoons and the Ed Sullivan show. Then one day, I opened a book titled The Hobbit.

Tolkien … literally changed my life.

I love to write. It’s a luxury I never expected I’d have time for – life got in the way. You know how that goes – kids, work, chores… sleep. I worked for 18 years in business where amassing coin was the all-consuming objective. It required huge amounts of time and mental energy. And for me personally, it was soul-slaying.

Then on September 11, 2001 two planes flew into the World Trade Center. I was working in Connecticut, about 2 hours from ground zero, and remember sitting in a conference room, watching the second tower fall. That tragedy initiated a process of redefinition for me, an evaluation of what was vital and important. Life felt short and precarious, and I started to wonder if it was time to do something that actually mattered.

In a moment of loving kindness, my husband suggested that I quit my job and go back to school (he still wonders what he could possibly have been thinking). I graduated with a Masters in Counseling and a mountain of debt. Oh well. I worked in Burlington, Vermont for peanuts – but, oh, they were chocolate covered! The human experience was sweet and rich. I had the pleasure of working with people who cared deeply about the challenges facing children and families, and I came to understand how the power of relationship, in all its myriad forms, can change the world. In Myths of the Mirror it is called the Belonging.

Then life got in the way again, and Randy and I made a move to the lush, wet, green wilderness of the Oregon rainforest. We live on a mountain a half-hour beyond the edge of civilization in a wonderful community where, once again, I encountered the Belonging. In another regrettable moment of loving kindness, Randy suggested that I write a book rather than work, and Myths of the Mirror poured onto the keyboard. Fast forward some years and more than a dozen books line my Amazon shelf. They have each been labors of love and I hope you enjoy them.

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349 thoughts on “About”

Hi Diana,I have just refreshed my knowledge of where you live! A lady of nature to be sure…i also read about grief reactions re writing, but first must send sincere condolences over your brother’s terrible murder..Absolutely tragic. My own ‘baby’ brother died, aged 50 and I recall the feeling of disbelief and numbness.Two of my best friends died in their early 50s, and not long afterwards, both my parents passed away. My adorable Mum’s passing was the hardest and I had a nervous breakdown, from which I learned a lot…I am now more of an empath than ever. Life is such a gift and I appreciate every moment. Your goodness comes through your writing Diana. You’re a special human being.xx

What a lovely comment, Joy. Yeesh, you got me all teary. Thank you for the kind thoughts regarding my brother, and for sharing your heartbreaking experiences with loss. It’s different for all of us, but one thing is sure, we are forever changed. And it’s the cost of love that we are willing to pay. Hopefully the journey makes us gentler, wiser, and more compassionate people. Thank you so much for stopping by. Sending mega-love and light.

I loved Bonanza as a child and although I didn’t read any of Tolkien’s works until my twenties, it too changed my life. I read LOTR and The Hobbit every year for at least ten years after that. Lol.

I can relate to the two towers feeling. I lived in Phoenix at the time and remember the shock as I watched it on the early news. I went to work crying and found I was not alone in my grief. It will burn in my mind forever. Now, whenever I see the stars and stripes at half-mast, even on the tv, tears come to my eyes unwillingly.

Thanks so much for stopping by to read, Kevin. Sometimes I think I should change this because it’s almost ancient history. Ha ha. But Tolkien and 9-11 were pivotal points in my story, so there they stay. 🙂 It’s amazing to me how many people that Tolkien turned into readers – true magic!

The Hobbit changed my life as well. I am inspired by your story! Like you, life got in the way and I am just now entering the writing world in my later life. It’s never too late! I am learning so much and am having a wonderful time. I look forward to checking out your Amazon bookshelf.

You’d be amazed, Brenda, how many of us started writing in later life. It’s kind of freaky! But we’ve finally earned some time, and we have a whole basketload of experience to share. I hope you’re enjoying your adventure. Thanks so much for the visit!

I came across this blog by searching for ‘genre and reader gender’ as part of marketing research for my own fiction.

Loved the chart you put together based on a survey of your readers, clicked to the about page, and had to laugh – Tolkien also changed my life (and deeply affects my own work), and my spouse and I also settled in Western Oregon in the mid 2000s.

Apparently Cascadia is the place to be for independent authors who want to live in Middle-Earth.

Thanks for checking out the blog and About page, Andrew. If Tolkien only knew that he opened the eyes of so many young readers. I’m a more recent arrival in the Middle Earth of Western Oregon. Happy Spring and Happy Writing.

Diana, your story is incredible and wonderful on so many levels. Of the many writers I know (or know about) I don’t think any of them have ever said they didn’t care for reading until they were as old as you probably were. Certainly nearing your teen years.

Of all the life changing provocations 9-11 incited, your choice to make something worthy of your own life was more common, though your decision to write might be unusual. Like you, I see writing as a way to reach out to the rest of the world and share what I’ve found profound.

Finally, I have to comment about writing a dozen books in a short time period. That’s a truly awesome accomplishment.

It’s been a pleasure to meet you here. I’ll take a stroll around your blog shortly as it’s obvious there are more surprises. I certainly have to learn more about the Belonging.

Thank you for the lovely comment, Sharon. After 9/11, I started working in mental health with young families. My writing came after that and I’ll admit is purely indulgent. I appreciate the visit. Have a peaceful happy weekend. ❤

Absolutely, love and respect your work. Thanks for sharing your Bio, so heartfelt. Your journey is so interesting. I miss our many visits to Portland, Oregon by way of Tacoma Washington. I’m sort of a Nancy Drew, so actually started researcher your writings, your Pen 🖊 Name is Great, so interesting and mysterious.
Yonnie💜

Thank you, Yonnie. My brother lives up in WA. It’s a gorgeous state. 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed the bio. I’ve considered updating it, but it’s a pretty accurate description of the journey, so I’ve let it as is. Have a wonderful day and weekend. 🙂

I was telling my husband about how supportive you’ve been and he very reasonably asked to know more about you and your work. Embarrassed, I realized in the whirlwind of our exchange and the speculative fiction reads, I’d never explored your blog! What fun to discover more about you now! To see we have some things in common (besides our spirits, kindred) – I work primarily in CT (live in MA) and spend my days helping kids (mostly) navigate psychiatric and life challenges. Such wonderful serendipity to have connected with you, Diana!

Isn’t that funny? I’m in Oregon now, but spent the first 50 years in NE. Loved it there, but the kid and grandkid are out here, so we made the leap. I loved working with kids, and feel so sorry that our country doesn’t do more to safeguard and cherish them. And I’m happy that we’ve connected too. It’s the best part of blogging. ❤

It seems Oregon has been good to you. I’m so impressed by your prolific work and glad I got to know you a bit before realizing you’re basically a rockstar in your field! Especially considering some similarities in our backgrounds, I’d love to be able to sit together and dig more deeply into your story and progression. I’m always inspired by folks who take risks and keep re-creating themselves!

What a powerful journey! Inspiring.
I heard the call of your story prompt yesterday, Passover. it was serendipitous. I am in the process of mapping out my future. 🙂 I know – -it’s a weird place to be at 65 trying to determine do I continue what I do now, which I love, is fulfilling but has many demands (leading a family emergency shelter) or, do I give way for my creative passions to fill my life.

your prompt took me to a place of remembering what gets forgotten in the passage of life. On my blog yesterday I wrote about uncertainty — and decided to create certainty within through writing a story — and then, one of my readers lead me to you.

I am grateful — what a lovely circuitous journey life is!

thank you for the reminder to awaken always to the many gifts and beauty of life.

What a lovely comment, Louise. I just turned 60 and find that life is continually evolving for me. Priorities change as part of life, and each choice both opens and closes doors. It sounds like you’re in the middle of deciding what comes next for you. We don’t get any do-overs, unfortunately, so our choices matter a great deal. I hope that whatever you decide continues to fill you heart. ❤ I wish you the best on your creative journey. And thanks so much for the story! ❤

I’m ashamed to admit I haven’t read any of your books – soon to be remedied…but think the covers are stunning. Such rich and powerful designs and artwork. All credit to you. Aren’t we lucky to be able to enjoy the fruits of art in all its glory! Hugs xx.

Thank you for sharing your story. You write beautifully. Tragedies do make us question our lives, and it sounds like you have found some real meaning as you’ve changed careers and places.
I’m at the beginning of my writing & blogging journey, and it means a lot to see someone who has pushed so far. Thank you.
Jimmy

Thank you, Jimmy. Hopefully we are always open to embracing change, finding the silver lining, and peeking around the corners when it might be easier to toe the straight and narrow road. Enjoy your writing journey and welcome to blogging. The trick to both endeavors is to have fun. Happy Holidays to you!

What an amazing history you have. Yes, 9/11 changed a lot of lives. It was a terrible day. All of us have our own stories. I am happy to see where you are now. But most of all I am happy to see you are in Oregon. I’ve lived here since 1994. It’s a beautiful state. I hope you stay.

Thanks so much for the comment, fellow Oregonian. Occasionally, as 9/11 drifts into the past, I consider updating my bio, but it was such a turning point for me that it still feels relevant to who I am. Yes, Oregon! It’s beautiful. We followed our daughter out here when she decided to start a family. And no plans to move. 🙂

Do you mind if I quote a couple of your articles as long as Iprovide credit and sources back to your site? My blog isin the exact same area of interest as yours and my visitors would really benefit from a lot of the information you provide here.Please let me know if this alright with you. Thank you!

From the womb of the unknown, I comet come, my message a vapor trail wide and lustrous with God’s own words.

Can you give your heart, your mind, their cosmic range of knowing? Will you listen to the soothing cymbal beats of my silent music, hear my streaking sounds, and decode the cryptic depth of my amazing truth for all earthlings? Each of you know the words that reach you through my spatial voyage! You have heard the parables, seen the miracles, known the words before my journey.

Diana, I just checked my spam folder and discovered you there, having commented a week ago on my “tobacco” post. How rude of WP not to treat you as an honored guest. I have approved the comment and replied back. So sorry!

Hi Diana, I was very interested in reading your journey into writing as it echos my own (although my twin towers moment was the loss of my father-in-law and my own father within two short months).

As I am at the start of my writing journey I’d just like to say thank you for following my blog, I hope it will prove worthy endeavour, not in the least for me but for the people who spend their time reading it.

I’m so sorry for your losses, and can relate to how the experiences change us and alter the way we perceive our own lives and choices ❤ . I'm happy to connect and wish you the best on your writing journey. And as far as blogging… enjoy yourself, engage, and you will collect followers without any trouble. Have a wonderful week. 😀

Wow! What an impressive and inspiring story. I am so glad I came across this. So glad. I know it seems all hunky dory now but I am sure it must not have been easy. ‘A labour of love’ ……how very apt that description must be. Passion and tenacity always pays off. I want to say well done! It is now my mission to try and read your books soon.

Thank you so much for the kind comment, Aweni. Some days I wonder if I should update this About Page since 9/11 was 17 years ago! But it was life changing and a pivotal part of my journey. I’m glad it still has an impact. 🙂 And, of course, I would be thrilled it you gave a book a try. Yay!

It was interesting to read your inspiring profile and background to writing. Yes, sometimes a major event changes your perspective, leading to life-changing decisions. In my blog, I plan to talk about how my personal tragedies have driven me to return to education. Life is one big learning curve x

“Life is one big learning curve.” I love that. Yes it is! And I find that often the tougher times are those of the most growth, which in turn opens us to greater awareness, compassion, and happiness. I’m looking forward to reading more of your blog! Thanks for the visit, Julia. 😀

Diana, I just read your personal story and what a story it is. Wow. Life can hold many surprises and I am so glad your life changed to become a wonderful writer with much to tell that is so important. Thank you so much, Karen 🙂

Thanks for reading, Karen. 9/11 was so long ago now that sometimes I think I should update this story, but it was also the catalyst for so many changes… thus it stays. I’m glad it’s still a compelling story. ❤

Your life and the decisions you made sound like a wonderful journey and are truly inspiring! (And you know how much I loved to be inspired. 😉 )
I look so much forward to discover more and am so glad to have met you! Sarah 🙂

Thanks for the lovely comment, Sarah. The story is a little old now, but still so much a part of who I am… that journey. 🙂 I’m delighted to connect as well. WP is full of wonderful friendships. Have an amazing day. ❤

So glad I found your site. Someone had blogged a children’s rhyming book that you had written which is really wonderful! I’m in the process of writing a children’s book, so I am always THRILLED to hear of others success, especially later in life once our children have gone. We finally have time to “re-invent” ourselves. Look forward to reading some of your books. Wishing you more success. http://Www.brilliantviewpoint.com

Thanks so much for stopping by. There are lots of us who are taking up this vocation later in life, and it’s great fun. The market is highly competitive, but these days that doesn’t have to stop us from doing what we love. 😀 Cheers to you! I wish you tons of luck.

Loved your post, many of us are in search of a purpose which serves above the normal life and I am glad you have found yours. I am so glad to connect with people like you here who inspire me. I would love to read your books. 🙂

Thanks so much for the lovely comment and, of course, I would love for you to read my books, too. 😀 It took me a long time to figure out what I wanted to do and then to have the opportunity to do it full time. Before that, I filled the need to make a difference as a volunteer, which I still do. There are so many ways to contribute, and I’ve found that an attitude of kindness and generosity of heart is all that’s needed. ❤

Nice to meet you! I’ve been going through the same kinds of struggles between work, life, and writing so I know what you mean. Living on the edge of civilization in Oregon sounds wonderful. I’m glad you’ve found some chocolate covered peanuts along the way!

Thanks for visiting and the follow, Sheila. Things are much quieter now without kids at home, but somehow I manage to feel frazzled anyway! Always a search for balance and to make the most of life. Happy Writing!

I love your story! I’m in the process of defining myself in my early 30s. I sometimes feel like it’s too late and I’m too old. I should have figured out what to do with my life long ago like so many others… So I appreciate you showing how life is a process of growing and evolving. I’m adding your books to my reading list!

Thanks so much for the comment. Some of us take longer to truly find our calling. Until I was in my mid-forties I was still wondering what I wanted to do when I grew up. Life is a journey and hopefully we don’t stop redefining ourselves, growing, changing and refining. Enjoy it. Thanks for the visit and I hope you enjoy the books!

Our world changed forever after 911. To think three numbers bring memories flooding back for so many of us of what we were all doing that day. What made you decide on a Master’s in Counselling over other directions? I really enjoyed reading about you. We are all on this journey called life together. I’m glad you went into counselling. There are many who I believe will benefit from your engaging spirit that comes out in your writing. In this world filled with far too much terror and abuse, you are very much needed. Keep shining your light! Even though I’m Christian in my faith and philosophy, I embrace those with or without faith. I’m open to learning and growing through the people I interact with.

Thanks for the lovely comment, Kevin. I was a volunteer for years working with grieving children and families. That led to hospice work and that led to a counseling degree. There are so many people dealing with profound life choices and challenges, and I wanted to be helpful in the process of healing and finding peace and joy (rather than worrying about profit margins – ugh). Thanks for asking, and it’s a pleasure to connect. 😀

Your about page is like a wonderful short story in itself. It just has to be savoured. Two things immediately stand out to me, the finding of “Belonging” – twice, last time in Oregon.
Your loving husband Randy who supported the positive changes in your life. Just wonderful.
miriam

Thanks so much for the lovely comment. My husband jokes about “regretting” his suggestions, but he is wonderfully supportive. We made financial sacrifices so that I could follow my dreams, but no regrets. Happiness is priceless. Happy blogging my new friend. I’m glad we connected. 🙂

I just re-read your “About” because in the rush of time, I sometimes give in to ‘speed reading’ at the expense of giving the writer’s thoughts their proper due….and I wanted to see if that was the (first) case here. I’m happy to report that my original reading came back to me with a more-than-passing grade, and that you age well! But I must admit to not fully appreciating this gem the first time around: “I worked in Burlington, Vermont for peanuts — but, oh, they were chocolate covered.” 🙂

Thanks for the revisit 🙂 Sometimes I think I should update it. Before long, no one will even get my references! But those were the events that shaped where I am now, so there they stay. Now I want to go read what you’re About!

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